There aren’t a ton of iconic bassists in metal, but former Metallica bassist Cliff Burton stands head and shoulders above the rest. It was on this date in 1986 that Metallica’s bus flipped over in Sweden after hitting a patch of black ice. Burton, who’d been sleeping, was killed instantly at the age of 24. With Metallica Through the Never out now, Metallica is very much still in the spotlight, but if it wasn’t for the bassist that propelled them through the first three albums, they might not be where they are today. Here’s a solo from Cliff em All, and check out the isolated bass track from “Orion” below. You’re still missed, Cliff. 

Bram Teitelman

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